2003 Oldsmobile Alero vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Oldsmobile 88. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Alero | 88 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3110 mm |
